Collaborative serious games can be considered as one promising way to use technology to support collaborative learning. However, they are not a self-evident solution leading to successful productive social interaction, collaborative knowledge construction, or learning. Thus, to take advantage of the full potential of collaborative serious games, there is a need for the better use of the theoretical knowledge about collaborative learning and game design as a foundation for game development.

This study provides insights into designing serious games and supporting collaborative learning. Findings of the study indicate that by combining the theoretical knowledge on collaborative learning and game design, it is possible to find new ways to support collaborative knowledge construction in serious games. Especially game mechanics appear to be a potential way in which to generate and support social interaction and collaboration among the learners in the game context. In addition to the game’s internal guidance, the teachers’ real-time orchestration during the collaboration situation plays a crucial role in achieving productive, collaborative knowledge construction. For the future research and development of collaborative serious games, there is a need to develop a shared vocabulary and understanding among professionals in the fields of education and game design further.